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Toronto was infused with Africana over the weekend, from all over the world’s second largest continent — home to 63 countries and territories.

Over two days, Torontonians got a taste of Africa ranging from lip-smacking food to traditional handcrafts and exuberant musical performances, showcased and celebrated by neighbours, colleagues and friends with ties to the continent.

The decades-old Afrofest concluded its 2016 edition on Sunday with an estimated 30,000 people in attendance at the Woodbine Park, thanks to the City of Toronto’s change of heart earlier this year to allow the event to extend over two days instead of one.

‘This is real African’

Sani-Abu Mohmammed loves the vibe from the crowd at Afrofest. (Rene Johnston)

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Sani-Abu Mohammed, a native of Nigeria, has been performing African dance at the festival for six years. It’s the uplifting vibe that keeps him coming back.

“It is a very good atmosphere where we celebrate our culture, happiness, love and respect,” said Mohammad, who came to Canada in 2005 via the United States and is a member of the Ijovudu Dance troupe.

“Thank you to the city for allowing us to do this. I pray it’s like that every year. If the festival goes, there would be nothing for the African community in the city, because this is real African and not just Caribbean culture we are celebrating.”

‘This feels like home to me’

Sean Clark was happy to attend Afrofest for the first time, after moving to Toronto from Montreal. (RENE JOHNSTON)

Sean Clark, a native of Jamaica, said he had heard about Afrofest for a long time but was able to attend for the first time this year, after moving to Toronto from Montreal two months ago.

The sound engineer said he was in awe at the size and range of cultures from across Africa represented at the event.

“I just like this so much. I love the diversity. I love seeing all kinds of people, people of my colour here,” said Clark, wandering around the vast venue on his bike.

“It is important to have events like this in the city. It keeps people’s energy. It makes people feel wanted. This feels like home to me.”

Hawa Kulmiye met two friends — one from Burundi, the other from Kenya — in Toronto, and the trio ran a booth offering henna tattoos and African crafts and traditional clothes.

“People stop and ask you questions about Africa. They want to know what and how our crafts are made. You see Africans coming from all different countries. It feels great,” said Kulmiye, who came here from Somalia nine years ago.

“I’ve been coming to the festival for five years. It just keeps growing. We are glad the city has allowed us to run the festival for two days again, but it would be nicer if they can let us move back to our old location at Queen’s Park. It is a more convenient location for people to come to us.”

Georgette Amihere, an elementary school teacher from Ivory Coast, left her Milton home at 7 a.m. to set up her food tent on the site so patrons could get a taste of authentic African food such as Bofloto, a sweet made of flour, sugar, coconut and ginger.

Her booth featured diverse cuisines from East and West Africa, with friends from Benin, Togo and Nigeria helping out during the searing day.

“If people know my culture, they will accept me easily. We have our children here. We want to make them feel comfortable and show them our heritage,” said Amihere, who has been part of the festival for 11 years with the aim of sharing her culture with other Canadians.

“My son, Benson, is 20. It’s important that he can see people enjoying our food not just at our home only, but also outside here, for their pride. Children are our future. They need to feel good and strong to fight in their lives.”

‘We are appreciating and celebrating each other’s differences’

Reggae singer Ammoye was enjoying Afrofest as a spectator this year. (RENE JOHNSTON)

Ammoye, who goes by one name only, rushed back from the Jazz Festival in Montreal late Saturday so she could come to Afrofest for its music performances.

“I love its performances and food. The festival is unique because of its African and island vibe,” said the Jamaican native, a reggae singer who has performed at the event in previous years.

“This is an important event. With what’s going on in the United States (over race relations), here in Canada we are appreciating and celebrating each other’s differences.”

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